Andy Williams – Can’t Get Used to Losing You

 A name synonymous with smooth vocals, impeccable phrasing, and a repertoire that traversed the spectrum of American popular music. But within that vast collection of standards and easy-listening gems lies a song that transcends mere pleasantness. Can’t Get Used to Losing You, released in 1963, stands out as a poignant and surprisingly raw exploration of heartbreak.

While Williams was known for his velvety baritone that soothed and charmed, Can’t Get Used to Losing You strips away some of that smooth veneer. The song, composed by the legendary songwriting duo Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, taps into a well of vulnerability that resonates deeply with listeners. Pomus, a man who knew a thing or two about the darker aspects of life, imbues the lyrics with a melancholic honesty.

The song opens with a resigned acceptance of the situation: “Guess there’s no use in hangin’ ’round” This sets the stage for a protagonist grappling with the aftermath of a love lost. The attempt at a casual outing – “Guess I’ll get dressed and do the town” – quickly crumbles as the hollowness of such a gesture reveals itself: “Though it will be empty without you.” This refrain, “Can’t Get Used to Losing You”, becomes the emotional core of the song. It’s a simple declaration, yet its repetition underscores the profound nature of the loss.

Williams’ delivery is key here. He doesn’t overplay the sadness. Instead, there’s a quiet desperation in his voice, a man clinging to normalcy even as the world around him feels off-kilter. The attempt to move on with a call to “some girl I used to know” proves futile. The emptiness remains, a constant reminder of the love that’s gone.

The bridge offers a glimmer of hope – “I’ll find somebody, wait and see” – but it’s quickly extinguished by a self-deprecating honesty: “Who am I kiddin’, only me.” This moment of self-awareness is crucial. It’s the recognition that true love is not easily replaced.

Can’t Get Used to Losing You might not be the most upbeat song in Williams’ catalogue, but it’s one of his most enduring. Released in 1963, it reached number two on both the US and UK charts, a testament to its universal appeal. The song’s strength lies in its ability to capture the depths of emotional pain with a simple yet evocative melody and relatable lyrics. It’s a song for anyone who has ever loved and lost, a reminder that the scars of heartbreak, while they may fade, never truly disappear.

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Lyrics

“Can’t Get Used To Losing You”